New regulations allow hospital patients to choose visitors

New hospital visitation regulations went into effect on Tuesday, Jan. 18, that make sure hospitals participating in Medicare and Medicaid respect the rights of patients to designate their visitors.

"There are few moments in our lives that call for greater compassion and companionship than when a loved one is admitted to the hospital," President Barack Obama said on April 15 of last year as he directed HHS Secretary Sebelius to initiate the changes. "In these hours of need and moments of pain and anxiety, all of us would hope to have a hand to hold, a shoulder on which to lean -- a loved one to be there for us, as we would be there for them."

The new regulations protect same-sex couples in hospital settings nationwide. Hospitals may not place restrictions on visitors based on sexual orientation, and must inform patients of their right to receive visitors they designate, "including, but not limited to, a spouse, a domestic partner (including a same-sex domestic partner), another family member, or a friend."

"Today marks a step forward in ensuring same-sex couples are no longer discriminated against in hospital settings," National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Executive Director Rea Carey said on Jan. 18. "Of all the things same-sex couples have to worry about, of all the discrimination and pressures we face, not being able to see our partner or spouse shouldn't be one of them. This new policy will have a positive impact on same-sex couples and our families throughout the nation. We thank the administration for taking this step, but continue to urge for the removal of barriers to full protections for our families, which includes repealing DOMA."